After a three-year hiatus, Heide Park’s record-breaking wooden coaster Colossos – Kampf der Giganten is thrilling guests again with a completely new track, courtesy of Intamin.

The ride reopened at the German park on April 19 following an investment of €12 million, which also included a new storyline and theming. Previously known simply as Colossos, it was originally constructed in 2001.

The attraction enjoys the reputation of being Europe’s tallest (50m) and fastest (110km/h) ‘woodie’. With over 1.3km of track, it is also one of the longest.

That track has now been completely replaced by Intamin. In addition, a colossal ‘tree monster’ has been created as an icon for the attraction. During the ride, guests see the 25m-tall structure come alive with fire and light effects. A custom soundtrack adds to the ‘Battle of the Giants’ theme.

Colossos was closed by Heide Park Resort in July 2016 to prepare for the ride’s refurbishment. Unlike on traditional wooden coasters, the replacement track was prefabricated. Planks were tightly bonded in multiple layers instead of being nailed together by hand. The laser-cut sections were manufactured to a high degree of precision and, according to Intamin, snap together like Lego bricks.

The Swiss ride manufacturer, well known for its steel coasters, also supplied two new trains for Colossos – Kampf der Giganten. Each carries up to 30 passengers, providing a maximum theoretical hourly capacity of around 800.